Interested in learning the ins and outs of cob? Want to get your hands dirty in raised beds, or tend to a small flock of feathery dinosaurs? Look no further!
The University of Montana’s Forum for Living with Appropriate Technology (FLAT) is currently accepting applications for 2024-2025 residents!
Located just off campus (633 S 5th St E.), the UM FLAT is a cooperative student residency that strives to empower members of the Missoula community to lead ecologically and socially responsible lifestyles. FLAT residents work together to demonstrate ways of living that promote sustainability, social equity, and community engagement. In meeting these goals, residents are expected to contribute 10 to 15 hours of work per week in exchange for rent. Prospective residents can apply to live at the FLAT for one or two years. For 2024-2025, there are openings for two residents and one co-director.
Before getting started, a few things you should know:
- You must be a full-time University of Montana or Missoula College student to apply. Undergraduate or graduate student studying in any department or program are encouraged to apply.
- Because we are a UM facility and a community meeting space, pets are not allowed at the FLAT.
- Familiarize yourself with our strategic plan found here.
- FLAT residents are required to register for the 1 credit FLAT seminar, ENST 494/594, each semester of residency.
To apply, send the following to umflat@gmail.com by Friday, March 1, 2024 by midnight MST.
- A copy of your resume
- One personal reference (contact information only, no reference letters necessary)
- Answers to the following questions in a separate document. Consider this an opportunity to tell us about yourself and why you think you would be a good fit for the FLAT!
Short answer questions
- What is your name?
- What is your area of study? (major or graduate program)
- Are you applying to live at the FLAT for one or two years? (Applicants may apply to live in the FLAT for one academic year, with the option to extend for a second year. Priority is given to those who intend to stay for two academic years.)
Long answer questions
Please write a short paragraph to each of the following questions (~250 words max) on a separate document.
- Why do you want to live at the FLAT?
- What experiences, knowledge, and/or skill-sets would you bring to the group?
- Please describe examples of collaborating with others on environmental projects.
- Please describe your past experiences living in group situations.
- What type(s) of project(s) (e.g. gardening, renewable energy, event planning, education, etc.) are you interested in working on at the FLAT next year?
- How do you practice sustainability in your everyday life?
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are all a part of the FLAT’s mission to improve as a residency and as a community space for the University and greater Missoula area. What does DEI mean to you?
- Living at the FLAT requires a serious time commitment of 10-15 hours per week. How will you balance FLAT work with school and other responsibilities?
If you have any questions about living and working at the FLAT, we encourage you to check out our social media pages (Instagram/Facebook) or email us at umflat@gmail.com. The 2024 resident application period will be open from February 5th to March 1st. We look forward to seeing your application!
UM FLAT 